LPN (Gastroenterology)

The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center is recruiting for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) for the Gastroenterology/Hepatology Clinic and Endoscopy Unit, Acute Service. The LPN is responsible for the assessment, treatment, planning and coordination of care that facilitates diagnosing and treatment of Veterans with gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary disorders. The LPN requires skills and knowledge to carry out specialized patient care duties in the clinical and endoscopy unit. The LPN demonstrates active collaboration and communication with the core team, expanded team and other services providing care to the Veteran. The incumbent assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient transition through the continuum of care, patient and family education, patient self-management, and supporting factors that impact customer satisfaction. the LPN is expected to exercise independent technical judgment and possess a comprehensive working knowledge of the principles, art and science of practical nursing. The LPN requires a general review of their work by a RN for appropriateness and conformity with license, policies, and procedures. Performs other related duties as required by the Nurse Manager.

Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays. Tour of duty is subject to change depending on agency needs.

Functional Statement Title/#: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/

Preferred Education and or Experience:

* Demonstrate dependability for duty and flexibility in work assignments

* Within scope of practice, prepare and administer prescribed medications in accordance with established policy and procedure

* Flexible and adaptable to working GI clinic and GI lab

* Escort/chaperone during clinical procedures

Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to include nights, weekends and holidays

Functional Statement Title/#: LPN/

Basic Requirements:

* Citizenship: You must be a Citizen of the United States.

* Education: Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)] at the time the program was completed by the applicant. Verification can be obtained from the State approving agency [or] the National League for Nursing [Accrediting Commission], 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006.

* Licensure: Full, active, current and unrestricted licensure as a licensed practical or vocational nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. An LPN[/LVN] who has or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16 of this part.

* Physical Standards: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

* English Language Proficiency: Licensed practical or vocational nurses appointed to direct patient care positions must be proficient in both spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements stated in section A, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

GS-3 (entry Level): None beyond the basic requirements. LPNs at this grade level are expected to perform all duties within the scope of their license (e.g., medication administration); however, completed work may require routine or detailed higher level review depending upon the complexity of the duties involved.

GS-4: Employees may be appointed at or advanced to GS-4 if they meet any of the criteria in paragraphs below: Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN; or Graduation from an approved school (which may be waived as provided in paragraph 4 of Section C) and one year of experience that involved nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other supervised medical, nursing, or patient care facility that provided a practical knowledge of human body structure and sterile techniques and procedures; or Graduation from an approved school of at least 24 months duration. LPNs at the GS-4 grade level perform all duties expected of employees at the GS-3 grade level; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgment, require less supervision, and to operate in accordance with all established policies, procedure, and techniques.

GS-5:Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience at the GS-4 level or equivalent. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide a full range of practical nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems. Works with the RN and/or MD/DO to appropriately orient/train less experienced LPNs/LVNs and/or Nursing Assistants (NAs)/Health Technicians (HTs) in relation to acceptable standards of practice in promoting optimal patient care delivery. Provides effective education to patients and/or family members in relation to common disease processes, medication, and /or prescribed treatment regimes. Demonstrated ability to serve as a responsible member of the nursing team and interact [in an appropriate manner] with patients, family members, professional and other supportive personnel involved in the delivery of patient care, [incorporating acceptable, established customer service standards into practice. Knowledge and skill sufficient to prepare, administer, and appropriately document actions taken specific to commonly prescribed oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intravenous medications as permitted by approved local facility policies and procedures. Observation and documentation will include patient's response to medication administered and the reporting of any noted change in patient's condition to RN or MD/DO. Knowledge and ability to recognize the need for and to institute emergency measures when indicated, promptly seek the assistance of the RN or MD/DO, and assist in resuscitation procedures in cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest. Recognizes and appropriately responds to breakage/malfunction or loss of equipment, safety hazards, and supply deficiencies, promptly reporting to appropriate personnel for corrective action. Completed work is under the general supervision of an RN or MD/DO. Individuals at this grade level are expected to have a broad working knowledge of practical nursing procedures. However, completion of more complex practices or procedures may be subject to closer higher-level review.

GS-6 (Full Performance):Completion of at least one (1) year of [additional qualifying experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, fully meeting all performance requirements for the GS-5 LPN/LVN.

Technically proficient in initiating, performing and completing assigned duties in providing care to variable patient populations. Knowledge and ability to appropriately carry out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant] patient information. Completed work [should need] only a general review by a registered nurse or physician for appropriateness and conformity with [established policies/procedures. Ability to observe, identify and respond to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care and patient/family education. In organizing and delivering care, the LPN/LVN recognizes and considers emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors.

Prepares and administers prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular and/or intravenous) and performs treatments according to established policies/procedures. Observes for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes, and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD. Knowledge and ability to recognize urgent or emergent patient care situations, seek assistance of the RN and/or MD, and initiate appropriate emergency interventions as directed. Knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members, and other staff. Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to elicit feelings and attitudes, and to promote positive relationships, communication and socialization skills. Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery. Effectively incorporates knowledge and understanding of established customer service standards in all interactions with patients, family members, and/or other internal/external customers. Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure. Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance Nursing practice. Reference:VA Handbook 5005 Appendix G13.This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Position requires standing up to 4 hours, walking up to 4 hours, bending/stooping up to 2 hours, heavy lifting/carrying (45 pounds and over) and transferring in administration of patient care. In addition, the incumbent must be emotionally stable and adjust to different types of personalities, demonstrating cheerfulness, compassion, courtesy and concern. He/she must be quick and dependable in taking emergency action as directed and use initiative in preventing accidents.

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. CV or Resume.

2. VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated health Occupations (Available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf). This is a required form and must be submitted. Applicants who fail to submit will be rated ineligible for consideration. Additionally, applicants who fail to provide a complete and detailed explanation in response to any question (28-37) in which your answer is "Yes" will also be rated ineligible for consideration. This response should be provided on a separate sheet of paper as instructed on the form.

3. Online Questionnaire.

4. You must include your most recent SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action that indicates your status i.e. permanent, career, career conditional etc. You will be rated ineligible if this form is not submitted.

5. Copy of CURRENT, VALID LPN license.

6. Copy of most recent performance appraisal.

7. Copy of any certifications that are applicable to area to which you are applying.

Please use this checklistto make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1996395.

NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.